Japan is Nippon 日本語
Rows of traditional-style shop buildings of Sakuranobaba Josaien below Kumamoto Castle
Photo: Jdjuice, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Kumamoto · other

Sakuranobaba Josaien

桜の馬場 城彩苑

A visitor complex below Kumamoto Castle with a street of local food and souvenir shops and a tourist office: ideal for a meal or break around your castle visit.

Entrance area of Sakuranobaba Josaien with red banners, near Kumamoto Castle
Photo: そらみみ, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A base for sightseeing at the entrance to Kumamoto Castle

Sakuranobaba Josaien is a visitor complex just below Kumamoto Castle. It opened on 5 March 2011, one week before the full Kyushu Shinkansen (bullet train) line opened. It was created to share Kumamoto's history and culture and to showcase local products.

It is made up of Sakura-no-Koji, a street of restaurants and souvenir shops; the Kumamoto Castle Museum Wakuwakuza, where you can experience Kumamoto's history; and a tourist information centre.

Kumamoto flavours and souvenirs on Sakura-no-Koji

Sakura-no-Koji is lined with more than 20 restaurants and shops, focusing on Kumamoto's local dishes and specialities. It is a handy place for lunch or for picking up souvenirs before or after you visit Kumamoto Castle.

At Josaien, the Kumamoto Castle Omotenashi Bushotai, a troupe dressed as samurai warlords, greet visitors twice a day with talks and photo sessions (as of September 2026).

Wakuwakuza is temporarily closed after the earthquake

Wakuwakuza is a paid attraction where you can experience Kumamoto's history virtually, through video and other displays. However, it is currently temporarily closed because of the Reiwa 8 Kumamoto Earthquake of 28 July 2026. According to the official website, it is scheduled to reopen in December.

While Wakuwakuza is closed, Sakura-no-Koji and the tourist information centre are open as usual.

Getting there

It is about a 4-minute walk from the Hanabatacho stop on the Kumamoto City Tram. It is open on the same days as Kumamoto Castle. Check the official website for opening hours.

Tips

  • Before heading to Kumamoto Castle, it is worth asking at the tourist information centre here which parts of the castle are currently open to visitors.
  • The date Wakuwakuza reopens may change. Check the announcements on the official website before you visit.
  • The Omotenashi Bushotai appear at set times, so if you want photos, check the times in advance.

Sources

Updated 28 September 2026. Opening hours and prices change, so check the official site before you go.

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